Speech Pathology

Yesterday we took Sam to meet with a speech pathologist for evaluation. As mentioned in my previous post, Sam has delayed speech, though he seems to understand objects by names, can follow simple instructions, and has his own way of showing you what he wants. He just isn't verbalizing them.

It's difficult to sit in an evaluation and answer "no" to so many questions. Does he hum or sing? No. Does he point to thing he sees? No. Does he look at you and babble like he wants to tell you something? No. Does he pretend or make action sounds when he plays? Not really. (But he does bring me his shoes when I ask! He can take an object to Daddy if I ask him! He knows what shoes are and swing and outside!)

It saddens me that he is not developing normally at this age and I can't help but wonder if we have failed him by not teaching him properly or exposed to concepts or given him the individual attention he needs. I have never had the nagging fear that something is neurologically wrong with him. However, he spends a lot of time on his own, and is content to do so, but I am starting to think that maybe we haven't given him the stimulation he requires.

Our speech pathologist was wonderful. She didn't give a true diagnosis, but did say that across the board he is developing but hasn't hit all of the milestones for each category. She recommends that we begin weekly speech therapy sessions where he will receive individual therapy through play. She also recommended a federal program called Help Me Grow.

Next week we have an appointment with Development and Behavioral Pediatrics to assess a broader picture of potential reasons for the delay. Any therapy will begin after that evaluation. They may also require a hearing test for him. While he passed his newborn screening and we've never questioned his ability to hear, it's easy to check and possibly rule out.

In the meantime, you can be assured that Sam is getting all our extra attention! I realized, that being the second kid, I have always just lumped him in with Adam or let him play on his own. Recently I've started bathing him separately and using that time to sing songs and point out words. Bed time stories and diaper changes are now more opportunities for learning. Now that it's warm we are spending more time outside and interacting with the sights and textures of the outdoors. We are making a more conscious effort to stimulate and expose and identify and sing and interact.

We're praying that this work at home, combined with the therapy and other resources, will help flip the switch in him to want to speak.